The bravo police dog previously made headlines after a bungling thief tried to get him off his tail by attempting to feed him pizza and two cans of Tennents lager in December last year.

Newsletter Signup

Sign up for a daily or weekly digest of new content on this website at the following page. You can change your settings at any time. Media content, Federation Updates and News delivered to your mailbox.

SPF on Twitter

SPF on Facebook

Police Scotland is “struggling” to keep its buildings, vehicles and computer equipment functioning because of a lack of cash, MSPs have been told.

And senior figures from the force have warned that the condition of police stations and other parts of the estate could get worse unless additional resources were found.

David Page, deputy chief officer with Police Scotland, said that as it stood the force was effectively “putting band aids” on to try to deal with problems with buildings, vehicles and computer systems. He stated: “We’ve got to try to keep the fleet, estate and ICT working, which we are struggling to do.”

He spoke out at the same time as chief financial officer James Gray said the force had not yet received any indication as to whether it would get extra money for capital spending next year.

He said: “We do have a positive case around the benefits we can bring through getting our asset base, our buildings, our vehicles and our ICT into a fit-for-purpose state for policing in the 21st century. I think it is understood we do require additional capital funding, and we await the outcome of the budget to see if that reflects what we have said in hard cash.”

Their comments came after the Scottish Police Federation (SPF) – which represents rank and file officers – said earlier this year that two police stations should be closed because of health and safety concerns.

Oban police station was described as “unfit for human habitation”, with mould and crumbling plasterwork, while the station at Lochgilphead had suffered a rat infestation.

“Police officers put themselves in harm’s way to protect others, this unique circumstance should be recognised in the legal system and treated as an aggravation,” said SPF east are committee chair, Andrew Malcolm.

“Protective equipment needs to be reviewed and requires investment, Taser should be issued as standard.”

One of Police Scotland's top officers described his disgust at the "recklessness" displayed.

David Hamilton, from the Scottish Police Federation, Tweeted: "Absolutely appalled that yet another Police Officer has been injured by morons who think that the throwing of Pyrotechnics at Police Officers is in anyway acceptable.

"@ScotsPolFed continue to push for legislation that will protect officers and the public from these explosives."

Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins, said: "The majority of those who took part in the processions listened to us and complied with our instructions.

"I am, however, disgusted at the recklessness and stupidity of those who decided to throw pyrotechnics, one of which injured an officer.

"He was simply carrying out a duty which allows us to facilitate people's rights and ultimately we were here today to keep everybody safe."

Police said the officer was taken to hospital. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.